Waterfowl decoy artificial waves and ripple skirt

ABSTRACT

A Waterfowl Decoy Artificial Waves and Ripples Skirt for simulating the movement of the water surface surrounding waterfowl and thus enhancing the realism of the existing waterfowl decoys. The preferred embodiment of the invention takes advantage of the existing waterfowl decoy through sizing and expected surface motion patterns. The skirt has an opening, which is fitted to various decoys, either attached or unattached. The static surface patterns attempt to match those waves and ripples, which would be produced naturally by the waterfowl being decoyed. This would include stationary waterfowl either alert, landing, sleeping, feeding, primping (cleaning themselves) or any other activity that would disturb the surface of the water in such a way as to create waves/ripples naturally.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CLAIMS

References Cited (Referenced By) US Patent Documents D477,651 Jul. 22, 2003 Paw; Kevin C. D22/125 4,607,447 Aug. 26, 1986 Wright; William H. 43/3 5,926,990 Jul. 27, 1999 Okimoto; Russell 43/2

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Waterfowl hunting is primarily done using artificial decoys that attract waterfowl into flying close enough to shoot them. As a waterfowl hunter, I would wonder why waterfowl would avoid my decoys. There are many variables to consider, including those, which have nothing to do with the waterfowl decoys such as camouflage of hunters, movement by hunters that may frighten the waterfowl as they approach, use of waterfowl calls and so forth. As these variables are reduced to non-factors—the placement and “look” of the decoys becomes of paramount importance. When I noted that the waterfowl would choose real waterfowl over decoys almost every time—I considered the differences between them. I had been looking at a flock of ducks, which were grouped on a placid lake when I realized that each duck was surrounded by a “halo” of waves and ripples. The appearance of the group was totally different than that of a flock of duck decoys under the same conditions. With the current laws being enacted that outlaw the use of mechanical or electronic devices used to produce waves or ripples—I thought of this invention to make them out of static materials to achieve the desired effect.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Waterfowl Decoy Artificial Waves and Ripples Skirt is molded clear plastic that surrounds a floating waterfowl decoy and simulates waves and/or ripples in the water. The invention is static and is manufactured using a thermo-vacuum forming process which molds a clear plastic sheet onto a form that shapes the invention into prescribed shapes that simulate waves/ripples found in nature. The types of plastic used vary and may or may not have a specific gravity of 1.0 or less (floating). Thickness of the plastic may also vary but will generally be in the 0.30 mil range (for durability). The center of the invention may be open to allow the decoy to float freely within the skirt or may be recessed to afford an attachment to the decoy and in that manner, utilize the floating characteristics of the decoy to maintain the invention at the desired waterline level. Various forms will be developed to achieve best results. It is the object of this invention to use an existing decoy design, (sizes/shapes may vary) in conjunction with the ripple skirt. Drawings of the invention are therefore for purposes of illustration/description but are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which illustrates the invention:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the wave/ripple skirt without a decoy

FIG. 2 is a side view with a decoy outline thereof

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the line 3-3 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the wave/ripple skirt with a decoy outline

FIG. 5 is a frontal view of a wave/ripple skirt with a decoy outline

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a wave/ripple skirt with a decoy outline

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a simplified version of how the wave/ripple skirt will be modeled. The circular pattern will be modified to fit various types/sizes of waterfowl decoys and to simulate actual wave/ripple disturbances to the surface of water surrounding those corresponding waterfowl decoys. The opening in the center will also be fitted for the corresponding type/size waterfowl decoy being used. Generally, the opening will allow the waterfowl decoy to be placed entirely inside the wave/ripple skirt.

FIG. 2 shows how the decoy will fit into the wave/ripple skirt.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the wave/ripple skirt detailing a preferred design which achieves a close resemblance to actual waves/ripples.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the wave/ripple skirt showing a decoy outline.

FIG. 5 is a frontal view of the wave/ripple skirt with a decoy outline and is shown to accentuate the natural appearance of the wave/ripple skirt in relation to the duck body outline. This variation in wave/ripple size will be adjusted in order to accommodate various sizes/shapes of waterfowl decoys.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the wave/ripple skirt with a decoy outline. 

1. A material that surrounds waterfowl decoys which look like waves and/or ripples, which would be made by actual waterfowl, located on a body of water.
 2. Various configurations of waves (or ripples) would be manufactured which skirt a waterfowl decoy to pattern those found naturally. A stationary of feeding duck will have waves (ripples) that extend in a circle or oval emanating outward from the decoy. A swimming duck/gooses will have a v-pattern of waves/ripples emanating outward and behind the decoy.
 3. This claim extends to any materials, which would affect the surface immediately adjacent to waterfowl decoys, or other inanimate objects that produce waves in nature. Any disturbances to the surface that simulates waves or ripples as depicted, non-mechanically or non-electronically, in any way, are claimed under this patent.
 4. The general design of the artificial waves will be flat with curves that allow projections above and below the waterline. Clear flexible and non-flexible materials will be employed to achieve best results.
 5. This claim also extends to artificial waves (ripples), which could be manufactured as part of a waterfowl decoy system—which would produce a decoy that is made with the wave (ripple) skirt attached.
 6. The artificial waves (ripples) skirt will generally be fitted to various waterfowl decoys with or without permanent attachment. The patterns will include a center area that will fit over the type/size of waterfowl decoy designed for. The artificial waves (ripples) will float in-place surrounding the decoy and/or be held in-place by the decoy body (which floats). 